A/N- Huzzah!~ I've finally done it!~ I've rewritten this story. So, if you've read all five chapters so far, please forgive me for taking them down, but now I've made quite a few changes and now they're cucumber-melon scented!~ If you've yet to read them, well then- Welcome to Healing Bonds, an IchiHime fanfic in an AU based off the 2008 Prince of Persia game. *tosses sparkles*

Ah, and before I so foolishly forget again, I'd like to thank all of you who've followed-57 of you!~- and added this to their favorites! *flails about in her happiness* I hope you'll all like this story with all its changes now, and I apologize for delaying so long on it. And my reviewers! I read all of them, and I appreciate you guys dropping a comment for me. So all that being said, let me stop, before I start to rant again!

P.S.- You may notice that I never type Ichigo's name(-I did before, by accident, and kept doing so, so I decided to just go with it, but now that I've rewritten everything…-) or all of it. That's because with Prince of Persia, they never tell you the Princes' names! But you all already know it, and Hime will know it before the end…

Maybe. -u-

Enjoy!

Ze Disclaimer- I claim ownership over nothing! 'Tis not mine! [© Tite Kubo and Ubisoft.]

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"What is one grain of sand in the desert?

One grain amongst the storm?"

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Sandstorm.

This was possibly the worst fucking sandstorm he'd ever experienced. He, of course, being the only one stupid enough to try and keep walking through the sandy, windy hell. But it wasn't like there was any type of cover in sight, if there was, maybe he would've used it. Maybe.

I bet that midget is laughing her ass off.

He scowled, tugging the lengthy scarf about his neck up so that it covered his mouth. Its red and blue ends whipped madly over his broad shoulders and behind him. The winds picked up and uncountable amounts of sand pelted into the bare tan skin of his arms and chest. It was torturous; intense. So strong, they were, that he had to lean forward at an extreme angle to keep his ground as the winds threaten to throw him back. Gritting his teeth and narrowing his eyes, he braced on slowly.

"Tensaaaa!" The unfortunate man shouted, then coughed, sand launching into his mouth regardless of his scarf and how he tried to shield it. It crunched between grounding teeth as amber eyes darted around frantically. They searched in vain, as the currents of flying sand was too thick, and the spot of black was no where to be seen as it only became thicker.

And as much as he hated to admit it…

He was lost.

Shit.

As was his donkey; his ticket to a better life.

This was the reason why he didn't bother riding the damn thing. It would only add to its weight, though he doubted it would've mattered anyway. All that planning, waiting, running…and for what?

He cursed under his breath, his determination rekindling. As if he'd let a damn sandstorm destroy all his hard work! He called out again and again, increasing in volume with each shout. His eyes intently searching for that desired spot of ebony.

Suddenly, he lost his footing.

"Tens-AHHH!"

So focused in looking for his stupid donkey, he was, that he didn't noticed the cliff's edge. Oh, but he sure as hell noticed it as he tumbled down it faster than a bullet through air.

He grunted, groaned, and cursed as he managed to hit every jagged, rocky part of the cliff's side. He would've been terrified, anyone else would've been. But he wasn't even remotely scared. Irritated, now that's what he was.

His instincts instantly kicked in-after he hit his head several times- and he flipped himself upright. The cliff had a pretty good slope to it and once righted, he slid down it smoothly. The silver, clawed gauntlet fixed to his left hand assisted him in doing so, as he dug it into the rocky downslide, light sparks and particles flying off into the air. Once the ground was visible, the man kicked off the earthen wall, and with a small flip, landed almost elegantly in a crouched position without a sound. He sighed, happy to be still and on the ground.

A rock fragment clonked him on the head, and he growled.

"Tch! Stupid sandstorm." He grumbled, brushing a hand through his orange, spiky hair. "Stupid cliff. Stupid donkey! Tensa!"

This day was supposed to be simple! And it had been until that freak storm had hit, with him barely managing to keep a hold on his donkey and stay with the others. But somehow, he still got separated from his group. And lose his donkey… There was irony in this somewhere…oh. He frowned, thinking back to a raven haired woman's warning just days earlier.

"Pay attention, you idiot! Remember, just stick to the plan; the faster we get this done-"

"-The faster we get paid, I know, I know! Geez, enough with the nagging."

Whack!

"W-What the hell! You almost kicked me in the eye, you midget! I need to see to-"

Another hit.

"What was that, strawberry?"

"She-devil….she's a goddamn she-devil."

"Ugh. Look. Just focus, move in when its time, and complete your part in this. We all need this gold…don't forget that, Ich-"

"I know, Rukia, I know."

She had sighed, but nodded, staring him down. "Good. Oi, and by the way; don't get lost this time! I swear, I won't come looking for you!" She then grinned. "Because the sandstorms here are pretty treacherous, I hear. They say the sands are cursed, leading innocent travelers to their-"

"Yeah, yeah, just shut yer' trap!" He shuddered. "You're just as bad as Uryu. And please…lay off the stories."

"Hmph! Just don't say I didn't warn you!"

…warn you…

…warn you…

With a noise of frustration, he knocked a fist against his temple, Rukia's warning playing over times ten in his head. He didn't know what was worse; hearing her damn voice in repetition, or the fact that she was right.

"She jinxed me! I bet she knew I was going to get-"

A strange echo resounded around him, akin to a whisper. Not a whisper, he thought, a hand resting against his blade, but a distant voice…was that shouting he heard just then?

"-…lost?"

It was silent again when he spoke, and he took that moment to take in his surroundings. It was a canyon he'd fallen into, a deep one at that, with towering natural walls red-brown in color and dusty tan earth beneath his feet. Though it was dry-as any place in the middle of the desert- and slightly sandy, little bits of healthy greenery splotched here and there. Glancing upwards, he glared at the cliff he'd fallen down, the harsh winds unable to reach him from his position below.

He figured that's what had caused that weird echoing, the sandstorm raging on above, and that the winds were howling against the earthen walls. It was odd though, as the sky above and beyond the canyon was a beautiful clear blue with stray clouds floating about it. No dust and flying sand in sight. It was as if the storm was only going on just outside the canyon's 'entrance', of sorts.

The traveler simply dismissed it though. He had other things to worry about.

"Huh. At least I'm out of that damn storm…" He mumbled somberly, adjusting his scarf. Slowly, he walked a few feet deeper into the canyon, still brushing bits of sand from the most uncomfortable of places. Though it was unlikely the damn thing would be there…

He had to keep searching for that stubborn donkey.

"Tensa!" He called, a hand cupped about his hand. He halted though, as another echo-yell bounced around him in the air. With a growl of annoyance, he dismissed it again-maybe the sun had finally baked through his thick skull-though he didn't noticed how he faced the source of it. Now walking towards a ledge adjacent to his cliff, the sound of footsteps not registering to him, he inhaled deeply and prepared to call out again.

And it was in the middle of that call that a darkened form suddenly blocked the sun. Under its shadow and increasing size, his shout turned into one of complete surprise.

"Tensss-sah?!"

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oO0OoO0Oo

"The wind is free.

But the sand goes where it is blown.

Whirling on the breath of the Gods."

oO0OoO0Oo

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She couldn't stop running. She wouldn't.

Even as he feet protested, angry jolts of hot pain throbbing within them, she kept running. Her pursuers, whom were adequately dressed-footwear and all-, didn't relent in chasing her, gaining as she stumbled every now and again.

Still, she pressed on and kept running. She couldn't be stopped right now, there was too much at stake! Why couldn't they see that, why couldn't her father see that? Why couldn't he understand?

"Lady Orihime!", they shouted, "Stop her! Catch her!"

Their heavier steps multiplied and Orihime released a wary whimper, not daring to look back as she knew more guards were now chasing her.

Even after the events that transgressed earlier that day, and her resolve solidified, Orihime still couldn't believe this. It had seemed like only yesterday that she was before her mother's tomb at the temple, her father at her side. The mourning King, they now call him, they being their people. Everyone in the city had mourned the loss of their beloved Queen, for weeks they did. It had seemed she took a large chunk of the wisp of light that still hung onto small estate.

But her father was simply devastated. Even as the days grew darker and darker and more people left the lands, he still locked himself away into grief. He was a hollowed, numb version of his former self until today, and even though seeing him like that made her want to weep, she'd prefer him that way instead of…how he was now.

Regardless though, he'd remised himself from his duties as King in his despair, and as his only heir, Orihime had sworn to uphold her own duties to her people, it was her responsibility. And, with an oath made upon her mother's tomb, to heal her broken father's spirit.

No matter what it took. She would not lose him like she lost her mother…and her brother, her heart wouldn't be able to take it. Just the thought made her heart squeeze in painfully.

So resolute in her decision, she hadn't really thought out a solid plan, and it seemed she was the cause of everything going to ruin now. Why did that blasted seal have to weaken? Why had she been so foolish as to think she could solve this growing problem on her own? Oh, but everyone was all but gone now. For it was His voice, His presence that was growing with each day and could no longer be ignored, that they all fled in fear, abandoning their millennia old oaths to the land and their forlorn King.

And with her father doing the unthinkable, something that had now drastically changed her, and attempting to stop her from fixing the outcome his betrayal, she was all alone in this task. Even the few guards that remained couldn't assist her desperate attempt.

"Maybe I am an idiot to think this will work…" Orihime panted under her harsh breathing, forcing down a bout of sadness. Her auburn brows tensed and her face set into a look of determination. "But I…I've got to try!"

With a quick, but fond thought about all the things Tatsuki taught her, and all the times she'd gotten her out of tough situations, Orihime's pace quickened, even as the steps behind her gained. Tatsuki would know what to do right now, she would have done something else instead of running, running, and running. She always seemed to know what do, what was the best and well thought thing to do and the woman felt her heart clench the more she thought of her best friend. Had she been there, when this whole situation began; would things had gone differently?

She could only wonder.

Tatsuki wasn't there anymore for her to rely on. And even if she was, Orihime wouldn't dare ask for her help. Even if she so desperately wanted too, she just wouldn't. As Princess of the Ahura, this was her task and hers alone; her duty to her, to the land, her father,…everyone.

More shouting came from behind her and she mentally groaned. She had to think of a way to elude these guards!

Just as the thought left her and after a very sharp turn, she saw the ledge. That sweet, sweet merciful ledge! But for a moment, she lost her speedy pace.

She thought she heard some strange shouting… Tensa? What in Ormazd's name was a Tensa? Maybe the little blue men where trying to trick her again? No matter, this ledge was her salvation, and there was no way the blue, green, or even the polka dot men could keep her from it!

Being familiar up to this part of the terrain, she headed straight for it. She could jump right down there and hide against the wall. They wouldn't even see her and think she'd run the other way!

Having no time to arm thrust to her ingenious plan, the woman gave it her all and dashed forward with the remainder of her stamina. Her eyes, having closed under her concentration, flung open and she leaped into the air as the ledge's edge came under her feet. With arms spread wide and sunset colored locks flying untamed behind her, she'd made quite a sight for the man unseen by her just below.

Get ready to roll, Orihime, riiight no-

"Tensss-sah?!"

Who was that?!

"Oomph!"

oO0OoO0Oo

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Soft.

The very well-endowed chest pressed against his was incredibly soft. Though the owner of it sprawled atop and straddling him was heavy. And his back began to ache, having hit the ground so hard and abruptly like that. Slowly, his gaze dragged up from the spill of breasts peeking over a low collar, to the face of the woman who'd just used him as a damn landing cushion.

The slight irritation that began to bubble up in him vanished completely as he met her ashen gaze. She flinched back into a sitting position, unknowing to him that his eyes were extremely intense to her, surprised written all over her beautiful face. He found himself staring at the being before him, seriously contemplating her existence to be a trick of his mind. And he sworn he didn't drink any cactus water. There was no way his mind could come up with something like…like her.

With vivid auburn hair flowing down slim shoulders, long and lightly moving with the breeze, curves galore, and those large shimmering eyes staring just as intently at him…

Nope. There's no way he'd imagined her. And the feel of her hands resting against his chest, the crème of her skin clashing with the tan of his, reaffirmed his suspicions. She was real.

Maybe this day was changing to favor him! Final-fucking-ly!

He let a lop-sided grin stretch across his features, which border-lined flirtatious, and chucked out a smooth, "Hi."

He was rewarded with a flush a pink coloring his mysterious lady's cheeks, eyelashes batting, and her lips forming a small 'o'. Adorable.

But the moment was ruined when she suddenly tensed and before he knew it, he was hauled off the ground and pressed against the cool wall of the ledge she'd come flying from. She was closely pressed against him, a hand coming over his mouth to smother out his exclamation of surprise. At her gaze flickering pleadingly to his, he found himself staring again.

This close now, he could see strands of hair clinging to her sweat drenched skin. Eyes traveling down, he took in the gold of the bands and trinkets about her neck and the intricate stitching along of her white top. Which was torn, the flesh of her flat and toned stomach and side exposed to his very interested stare. Her bottoms were low on her hips, dark and fitting her thighs perfectly before flaring out at her knees, her calves and feet bare.

What was a woman like her doing in the middle of nowhere like this? More importantly, why were they hidi-

Wow, even her feet were gorgeous. Where were her shoes?

He tried to speak, but only managed inquiring muffles against the trembling hand over his mouth. He stiffened at the trembling, darting his eyes to her face to find her looking up and just as he followed suit, voices sounded above them.

"See? I told you she didn't come this way." "Slippery little woman…" There was an exasperated sigh and a grunt, then, "C'mon! We have orders to find her, no matter what!"

Footsteps receding were all he heard after that, and once they fainted into silence, the woman finally released her hold on him and took a step back. His brows rose as she gave him a small bow, her bangs hiding her face from him.

"Excuse me…" She murmured so lowly, he almost didn't catch what she said. Then she promptly turned on her heel and darted away from him like he had the plague. Well. That's never happened before…

"H-Hey, at least give me your name!…" He shouted a moment too late, and she was gone, disappearing deeper into the canyon. The traveler just stood there in utter confusion and slightly disappointed, slowly registering the events that just transpired.

A scowl pulled at his face as he realized he could've asked for his current location. It deepened, though, when the men's voices replayed in his mind; he didn't see them, but he knew there was a good few of them, and they obviously were looking for his-presumably- unintentional assaulter.

Something told him not to delve into it, let the going-ons of random-beautiful-women in random canyons being pursued by multiple men be. Sure, she didn't look like one to get into trouble, with how wide and innocent her eyes had been… and he sure as hell could relate to being chased and outnumbered…But! He had his own problems to deal with! Unfortunately though, his mind played against him, and he found his thoughts wandering to the worst of scenarios.

They were, possibly, traders. Slave traders.

She was bound to make any trader rich beyond their wildest dreams.

The man's jaw clenched as he ran an uneasy hand through his unkempt tangerine hair. He didn't have time to go off saving random women! No matter how gorgeous and underdressed they were. He still had to get home, and before that, he had to find that damn donkey of his!

And yet, with all that in mind, an urge to follow after her arose.

"Ooohoho, no." He grumbled to himself, turning to head back to the entrance of the canyon. He could climb right out of there and be on his way. Besides, there's no way Tensa could've fallen down there and continued walking anyway, let alone still be alive. He was a freakin' donkey! He didn't know why he bothered looking there in the first place.

The fresh memory of her pleading eyes flashed in his still debating mind and he halted. They were so wide…

Nononono, not gonna do it…

Was she all alone here? The man cringed at the thought, glancing where she ran off to. No one else around to offer their help or…?

You're not going to follow her!

No one to protect her..?

You don't even know her! So it'll be fine! No need to stick out your neck for her…

Oh, but he could just imagine how this would all be on his conscience if he did managed to find Tensa and get out of there. He could be wrong about them being slave traders. But what if he wasn't…?

"Dammit. You know what….fine." He threw up his hands in submission. "Fine!"

Not even giving his choice a second thought, the man turned and broke out into a full sprint, searching now for a spot of auburn that vanished in the direction he was headed, instead of an ebony one. As he went along, barely noticing the strange hieroglyphics etched into the walls and the sparse buildings along them as he ventured deeper into the canyon, a smirk slowly donned his features.

Though today was supposed to be simple, in all honesty, he did prefer exciting over simple. That's what adventuring on and out into the world meant, yeah? Excitement!

Besides, the donkey and gold could wait, right?

….Right?